The invention relates to the use of
carbon monoxide for preserving gametes. Means and methods for preserving gametes are provided. The method of the invention comprises the steps of a) providing a
gamete or a sample comprising said
gamete in a container, and b) contacting said
gamete in said container with
carbon monoxide. The invention also provides the use of
carbon monoxide in the treatment and / or prevention of diseases, such as diseases caused by or associated with elevated
DNA cleavage,
redox potential of gametes, and / or diseases of gametes caused by or associated with elevated ROS levels. Also provided are uses of carbon
monoxide for the prevention of congenital abnormalities and / or
aneuploidy, as well as for the treatment of diseases caused by and / or associated with elevated
DNA cleavage and / or
redox potential of gametes. The invention also relates to a method of treating congenital abnormalities or
aneuploidy comprising contacting
carbon monoxide gas with gametes of a patient in need thereof. Thus, the means, methods and uses of the present invention ensure that gametes are preserved in a functional / intact state, thereby ensuring maintained and / or improved gamete quality. Thus, such carbon
monoxide treated / carbon
monoxide exposed gametes are particularly useful in reproductive techniques, such as
in vitro reproductive techniques, including in human assisted reproductive techniques and / or in animal (artificial)
insemination techniques.